eSolar thermal power systems use reflected sunlight via small heliostats as a heat-source to drive electric generators.

Using small heliostat size and the advantage of mass production, eSolar systems were designed to minimize cost, realizing economy-of-scale at 33 MW, becoming cost competitive with fossil-fuel-powered plants. Projects range from 25 MW to over 500 MW.

eSolar is slated to have its first fully operational power plant later in 2008 in southern California.

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How it Works

Rather than using large reflective surfaces, the eSolar array uses smaller reflective surfaces, reducing the installation costs, control costs. The smaller size also means increased construction speeds. Also the decreased wind profile means increased up-time. Each array, or module, is 25 MW which can be multipled for larger plant needs.

Advantages

Smaller heliostat size

increases economy of scale.

fit efficiently into shipping containers

pre-assembled in factory to reduce on-site labor

complete replacement units can be stocked on site and installed quickly at low cost.

Fast Installation - eSolar has designed a solar field layout that minimizes installation time and cost. By employing a repeating frame structure and a revolutionary calibration system, eSolar has eliminated the need for high-precision surveying, delicate installation, and individual alignment of mirrors. Minimal skilled labor is needed to build the solar field, allowing for mirror deployment efficiencies that scale with project size and deadlines.

ESolar expects to start up its large solar thermal plant soon - Patterned after the software startup model--selling a sophisticated computer program that drives cheap, commodity hardware, eSolar and its power plant operating partner, NRG Energy, have announced agreements with three electric utilities to install 500 megawatts of thermal solar capacity over the next few years. (MIT Technology Review July 07, 2009)